Advocacy Program Specialist

Arizona Department of Administration•Phoenix, AZ

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Advocacy Program Specialist works within the Division of Behavioral Health & Housing (DBHH) to provide Special Assistance to people with a serious mental illness (SMI) determination who have an identified need, as defined by A.A.C. R9-21-104. The role serves individuals in the Phoenix Metropolitan and Northern Arizona areas by educating them about their rights, advocating on their behalf, helping them protect their rights and obtain needed services, and participating in grievance and appeals processes as needed. The position also provides education, advocacy, and support to the community as assigned. The position requires in-state travel in the Phoenix Metropolitan and Northern Arizona areas up to approximately 50% of the time. The candidate may be eligible for remote work based in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. Remote work is a management option, not an employee entitlement, and work must be performed within Arizona unless an exception is authorized. The role is based in the Division of Behavioral Health & Housing at 150 N. 18th Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007. The salary is up to $53,000, the grade is 19, and the position is non-exempt. The posting is open until filled.

Requirements

Two years of experience in Arizona’s public behavioral health field.
One year of experience providing advocacy.
Current Arizona Driver’s License.
Successfully pass a fingerprint background check, prior employment verifications, and reference checks.
Complete any required driver training if driving on state business.
Successfully complete the Electronic Employment Eligibility Verification Program (E-Verify).
Knowledge of the behavioral health system’s basic structure and operation, service and discharge planning, and consumer rights.
Knowledge of SMI grievance and administrative appeal processes, and the rules, statutes, regulations, policies, and procedures that define applicable standards of care.
Practical experience working with stakeholders and clients, including their natural and formal supports.
Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft products and understanding of HIPAA and Arizona Administrative Code R9-21.
Negotiation skills, including collaborative communication; strong interpersonal skills with people of diverse cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds and people in crisis.
Effective written communication, report writing, and professional correspondence skills; time management and attention to detail.
Oral and written case preparation and presentation skills, and proficiency reviewing and interpreting policy, law, and designated record sets.
Ability to communicate professionally with clients and their RBHA provider to facilitate resolution or present issues.
Ability to educate people on navigating the behavioral health system, accessing services, and exercising SMI rights.
Ability to organize and prioritize multiple tasks, reprioritize as needed, and conduct client meetings by telephone, video conference, or in person according to standards of work and supervisor guidance.
Ability to research, comprehend, and recite Arizona Administrative Code R9-21 to enforce SMI rights.

Responsibilities

Represent individuals with an SMI determination and identified as needing Special Assistance in services planning, discharge planning, and administrative grievance and appeals processes.
Conduct meetings by telephone, video conference, or in person as necessary, and follow approved documentation protocols.
Provide information and technical assistance, and facilitate resolution of issues with Regional Behavioral Health Agreements (RBHA) and care providers to meet clients’ needs.
Promote client rights and protection through outreach, distribution of educational materials, and facilitation of community group education.
Provide immediate representation to newly assigned Special Assistance members, including initial outreach, explaining the role, and preparing the advocacy chart.
Provide the community with advocacy and guidance about SMI grievances and appeals, service planning, and discharge planning.
Complete weekly and monthly activity reports and database (case list) entries in a timely manner.

Benefits

10 paid holidays per year.
Paid vacation and sick leave, accruing at 13 and 12 days per year respectively from the first day of employment, prorated for part-time employees.
Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks per year for a newborn or newly placed foster or adopted child.
Bereavement, civic duty, and military leave.
Retirement program with lifetime pension benefits through the Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS).
Affordable insurance plan including medical, dental, life, and disability insurance.
Eligibility to participate in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program, subject to qualifications.
Rideshare and public transit subsidy.
Learning and career development opportunities.
Voluntary tax-deferred retirement investments through the Deferred Retirement Compensation Program administered by Nationwide.
Remote work may be available, subject to management approval and agreement.